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University of Central Oklahoma student groups call for removal of on-campus Chick-fil-A

The Chick-fil-A location in the University of Central Oklahoma's student union is one of the university's more popular campus dining options. Now, a group of UCO students wants to see it gone because of the company's stance on gay rights.

EDMOND — The Chick-fil-A location in the University of Central Oklahoma's student union is one of the university's more popular campus dining options.

University of Central Oklahoma student Kyle Brower hands out information about Chick-fil-A corporate policies Tuesday at UCO's Nigh University Center. Photo By David McDaniel, The Oklahoman David McDaniel

Now, a group of UCO students wants to see it gone.

Members of the UCO Skeptics and the Student Alliance for Equality stood outside the food court in UCO's Nigh University Center on Wednesday and Thursday collecting signatures on a petition to have the restaurant removed from campus.

UCO student Kyle Brower said the two student groups oppose the restaurant's presence on campus because of the company's well-publicized stance on gay rights.

Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy drew a firestorm of criticism and boycotts from pro-gay rights groups earlier this year when he voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage. Cathy's remarks led to an unofficial Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, in which supporters flocked to the restaurant in droves.

Familiar controversy

The groups began planning the demonstration before the company's social stance came to national attention, Brower said. Long before Cathy's remarks, the company gave money to anti-gay marriage groups like the Family Research Council.

Most of the passers-by have been familiar with the Chick-fil-A controversy, Brower said, and reaction has been mixed. About 350 people had signed the petition by noon Thursday, but Brower said others have said they saw the matter as a First Amendment issue.